New2theScene

The ink is barely dry on the final chapter of our Horror Novella Project, the writers have only just caught their breath, and we've almost recovered from the organised chaos that comes with coordinating fourteen creative minds.

Almost.

Because apparently one collaborative novella wasn't ambitious enough.

This year, we're aiming even higher.

For the first time, we're planning two Novella Projects, meaning our 2027 New2theScene Anthology will feature not one, but two entirely original collaborative novellas written by members of our writing community.

The Horror Novella Project reminded us exactly why we started this challenge in the first place. Fourteen writers, each with their own voice, took a single story in directions none of us could have predicted. There were unexpected twists, unforgettable characters, and more than a few moments where the next writer probably wondered, "Right... what am I supposed to do with this?"

It was creative, challenging, and enormous fun.

So, before we've had the chance to convince ourselves this is a terrible idea...

Applications are now open for our second Novella Project.

This time, we're swapping monsters and murder for something altogether different... Romance!

Love, heartbreak, longing, misunderstandings, happy endings (or not), awkward first dates, grand gestures... wherever you decide to take it.

Whether romance is your favourite genre or something you've never attempted before, we'd encourage you to give it a go. Some of the most rewarding writing happens when we step outside our comfort zones.

So, What Exactly Is the Novella Project?

If you missed the first round, here's how it works.

Fourteen writers come together to write one complete novella.

Each writer receives the manuscript where the previous writer left it and has one week to write the next 1,000 words before passing it on.

Simple.

Terrifying.

Brilliant.

Every writer has the freedom to develop the story in their own way. Introduce a new character. Reveal a secret. Create conflict. Solve a mystery. Start another one.

The only challenge is leaving the next writer with something exciting to continue.

It's collaborative writing at its most unpredictable—and that's exactly what makes it so much fun.

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What's the Commitment?

You won't need to dedicate three months of your life.

Each participant is allocated one writing week, which you'll know well in advance.

Throughout the project you'll receive each completed chapter by email, allowing you to watch the story evolve, cheer on your fellow writers, and prepare for your turn. We simply ask everyone to read the weekly chapters so the whole group stays connected to the story as it develops.

What Happens Afterwards?

If the completed novella reaches our publication standard (and after the success of our Horror project, we're quietly confident!), it'll be published in the New2theScene 2027 Anthology.

Every participating writer will receive:

Co-author credit in the contents.
A short author biography alongside their chapter.
The satisfaction of seeing a story you helped create published in print.

There's something special about holding a book that exists because fourteen writers trusted one another with a single story.

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Is It Paid?

No.

The Novella Project is about the experience.

It's an opportunity to be published, collaborate with other writers, challenge yourself creatively, become part of the New2theScene community, and create something that none of us could have written alone.

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How Do I Apply?

Simply email us with a short paragraph telling us:

Who you are.
Why you'd like to take part.
How you're involved—or hope to become involved—with the New2theScene community, whether through competitions, workshops, books, events, or something else.

We're looking for enthusiastic writers who enjoy collaboration and are ready to embrace a little creative unpredictability.

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